This 2 arm study will compare the incidence of tocilizumab-related infusion reactions, using 2 different infusion times, in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who have shown an inadequate response to DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs) or anti-TNFs.Patients will be randomized to one of 2 groups, to receive tocilizumab 8mg/kg iv every 4 weeks either a)over a 1h infusion time for all administrations or b) a 1h infusion time for the first administration, followed by a 31 minute infusion time for subsequent administrations (unless drug-related infusion reactions occur).The anticipated time on study treatment is 3-12 months, and the target sample size is <100 individuals.

Percentage of Participants With a Reduction of at Least 1.2 Units on the Disease Activity Scale Based on 28-Joint Count (DAS28) by Visit [ Time Frame: Weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and Final Visit ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

DAS28 calculated from the number of swollen joints and tender joints using the 28-joint count, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (millimeters per hour [mm/hr]) and Patient's Global Assessment of Disease (participant-rated arthritis activity assessment) with transformed scores ranging 0 to 10; higher scores indicated greater affectation due to disease activity. DAS28 less than or equal to (≤)3.2 equals (=) low disease activity, DAS28 greater than (>)3.2 to 5.1 = moderate to high disease activity; DAS28 less than (<) 2.6 = remission. A reduction of at least 1.2 units was considered a clinically significant difference.

Percentage of Participants With Improvement of at Least 0.22 in HAQ-DI [ Time Frame: Weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and Final Visit ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

HAQ-DI is a self-reported, valid assessment of functional disability in rheumatoid arthritis. Assessment based on ability of participants to perform daily activities in 8 categories: dressing, arising, eating, walking, reaching, gripping, hygiene, and carrying out daily activities. HAQ-DI scores range: 0-3: without any difficulty=0, with some difficulty=1, with much difficulty=2, unable to do=3. HAQ-DI total scores expressed as overall mean score with range 0-3: 0-0.25=normal functioning; 0.25-0.5=mild functional limitation; 0.5-1=moderate functional limitation; more than 1=significant functional limitation. An improvement of 0.22 units in HAQ-DI was considered to be a clinically significant improvement.

inadequate response to a stable dose of non-biologic DMARDs or antiTNFs.

Exclusion Criteria:

rheumatic autoimmune disease other than rheumatoid arthritis;

prior history of, or current inflammatory joint disease other than rheumatoid arthritis;

major surgery (including joint surgery) within 8 weeks prior to screening, or planned major surgery within 6 months following enrollment.

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00887341